Technical jargon leaving you feeling a little confused? Fear not! We’ve put together a
glossary of some terms that you may come across in the printing world...
From Box Frames, to Float Glass and Dye Sublimnation… what does it all mean? We’ve got you covered!
Acid free
This term is sometimes used to describe materials that may have acidic content but have been buffered to increase their PH value. A neutral or alkaline PH value will provide a more stable environment for your print to be mounted to, and is linked with longer life expectancy. All our papers, window mounts and boards are acid free to protect and conserve your artwork.
Archival
The term archival refers to a material being permanent, durable or chemically stable. As such, the term is non-technical and unenforced. It is typically used for photographic printing papers and Giclée inks to signify the long-life of the materials. ‘Archival’ prints will generally last a very long time without fading or discolouring.
Backboard
A backboard is attached to the back of the frame. The material used must be chemically inert or acid free so as not to damage or degrade the print over time.
Backing
The term ‘Internal backboard’ describes the board used to protect or help display artwork. Internal backboard is usually visible (although not always) and must be chemically inert or acid free so as not to damage or degrade the print over time.
Box frame
A box frame uses a spacer or fillet between the glazing and the print. This framing solution is ideal for 3D artworks as the space be adjusted between the glazing and the artwork.
Buffered mount board
Buffered mount board uses an alkaline filler to raise the PH level from 7.0 (neutral) to 9.5 (high alkaline). This reduces the possibility of acids forming in the layers of the board and is linked with longer life expectancy.
Board
A board is made from layers of compressed paper. Terms such as ‘8-ply’ refer to the layers of paper used – e/g. e.g. 8-ply board is made up from 8 layers of paper.
C41
The C-41 process (often abbreviated to just C41) is a photographic processing system for developing colour negative film.
Chromaluxe
Chromaluxe is a trade name of Universal Woods inc, a manufacturer of dye-sublimation panels. The term ‘ChromaLuxe Fine Art printing’ is used to describe a process using ‘dye sublimation’ to fuse images on to metal. The term ‘sublimation’ describes the transition of a substance (in this case, the special inks) directly from the solid to the gas phase without becoming a liquid first. Chromaluxe prints can be known as HD metal prints, metal sublimation prints, dye sublimation prints.
To read the full list of terms please click here
https://genesisimaging.co.uk/